Overview

Christmas Markets Rhine Cruise

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Discover life on board Olympia

An unforgettable festive break

Explore the fairytale beauty of the Rhine Valley - its picture-book towns and villages dressed up for Christmas - aboard a beautifully appointed cruise vessel. This warm, welcoming and convivial home from home is the ideal base from which to explore this truly wonderful part of the world.
There's far more to life on board Olympia than we could possibly fit on one page. Click here to find out more about her facilities and welcoming atmosphere.

Gallery

Highlights and Inclusions

Three nights' accommodation based on a standard lower deck cabin (upgrade cabins available)

Full-board arrangements while on board, including afternoon tea, coffee and cake, and late-night snacks

Calls at ports as detailed in the itinerary

Luggage porterage

On-board entertainment as arranged

On-board commentary

The services of a friendly, professional crew and cruise staff

Port charges and taxes

Single cabins are available for a supplement

Itinerary

Day
1

Join us before our coach boards the ferry to cross the Channel, or book an overnight stay at the Holiday Inn Ashford, Kent, and board our coach when it stops at the hotel. Later this evening you'll arrive in Boppard, the picturesque 'pearl of the Rhine', with its great Roman fort and its beautiful historic quarter. Board Olympia in time to enjoy a buffet dinner, and the warmth and welcome of your first night.

Day
2

Early risers will be awake to see Olympia begin her journey, passing fairytale castles and beneath the legendary Lorelei (where sirens were said to lure unsuspecting sailors to their end), to alight at Rudesheim.

Here the famous Drosselgasse - lined with Weinstuben (wine taverns) and restaurants - bustles with life. Spend the afternoon soaking up the atmosphere of Rudesheim's famous Christmas market, which features Europe's largest Nativity Scene, then perhaps join our late-afternoon optional excursion to an early evening wine tasting and to see the remarkable collection of musical instruments that are found in Siegfried's Musikkabinett.

Day
3

Around lunchtime, Olympia will arrive in Koblenz, at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Step ashore to take in the atmosphere as you wander the stalls of the town's own Christmas Market, pausing to watch the skaters on the market's rink.

Later, enjoy a final evening aboard Olympia, perhaps taking part in a quiz, or simply enjoying a performance by the on-board pianist.

Day
4

After an early breakfast, bid auf wiedersehen to Olympia and this captivating part of the world as our coach carries you back across Europe and across the Channel to the UK.

Life on board Olympia

Modern, well-equipped Olympia offers all you could wish to ensure that you enjoy every moment of your Rhine cruise. Offering accommodation and dining facilities for just under a hundred passengers, the ship has a warm, intimate feeling about her the minute you step on board.

Cabin Details

Olympia's 49 cabins are arranged on the two decks and offer excellent twin-bedded accommodation (the beds can be converted into sofas for daytime use) with private showers and WCs, tables, chairs and small wardrobes. Large picture windows offer views of the ever-changing scenery.

Dining Details

One of the undoubted highlights of your Olympia river cruise holiday will be the full-board dining arrangement in the ship's delightful lower-deck restaurant. A well-stocked breakfast buffet sets you up for the day, while lunch generally includes a salad buffet and lighter main dish. In the evening, when the atmosphere is generally more 'smart casual' than 'formal' (although gentlemen may like to don a jacket for the special Captain's Welcome and Farewell events), a delicious four-course meal is served.

Activities Details

Much of the day, when you're on-board ship, will be spent relaxing. Take a seat in the comfortable lounge, enjoying the passing scenery, curl up with a good book, chat to fellow passengers or even join a friendly game of cards. Each day's programme will be organised by the on-board Cruise Manager.

Facilities

Celebration gift packages (including options of fruit baskets, wine, chocolates and flowers)
Single and upgrade cabins are available for a supplement